Self-tuning microwave ablation probe

ABSTRACT

An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a tunable helical antenna element is disclosed. The probe includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor coaxially disposed within a dielectric, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The inner conductor and dielectric extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer conductor. A helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the inner conductor. During use, the antenna may be tuned by changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element. Embodiments are presented wherein a dimensions of the helical antenna element is changed by state change of a shape memory alloy, by a change in temperature, by activation of a piston by fluidic pressure, by linear motion of a conical tip, and by a manual screw-type adjustment.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing energy to biological tissue and, more particularly, to a microwave ablation surgical antenna having a self-tuning or adjustable helical coil, and methods of use and manufacture thereof.

2. Background of Related Art

There are several types of microwave antenna assemblies in use, e.g., monopole, dipole and helical, which may be used in tissue ablation applications. In monopole and dipole antenna assemblies, microwave energy generally radiates perpendicularly away from the axis of the conductor. Monopole antenna assemblies typically include a single, elongated conductor. A typical dipole antenna assembly includes two elongated conductors, which are linearly aligned and positioned end-to-end relative to one another with an electrical insulator placed therebetween. Helical antenna assemblies include a helically-shaped conductor connected to a ground plane. Helical antenna assemblies can operate in a number of modes including normal mode (broadside), in which the field radiated by the helix is maximum in a perpendicular plane to the helix axis, and axial mode (end fire), in which maximum radiation is along the helix axis. The tuning of a helical antenna assembly may be determined, at least in part, by the physical characteristics of the helical antenna element, e.g., the helix diameter, the helix length, the pitch or distance between coils of the helix, and the position of the helix in relation to the probe assembly to which it is mounted.

The typical microwave antenna has a long, thin inner conductor that extends along the longitudinal axis of the probe and is surrounded by a dielectric material and is further surrounded by an outer conductor around the dielectric material such that the outer conductor also extends along the axis of the probe. In another variation of the probe that provides for effective outward radiation of energy or heating, a portion or portions of the outer conductor can be selectively removed. This type of construction is typically referred to as a “leaky waveguide” or “leaky coaxial” antenna. Another variation on the microwave probe involves having the tip formed in a uniform spiral pattern, such as a helix, to provide the necessary configuration for effective radiation. This variation can be used to direct energy in a particular direction, e.g., perpendicular to the axis, in a forward direction (i.e., towards the distal end of the antenna), or combinations thereof.

Invasive procedures and devices have been developed in which a microwave antenna probe may be either inserted directly into a point of treatment via a normal body orifice or percutaneously inserted. Such invasive procedures and devices potentially provide better temperature control of the tissue being treated. Because of the small difference between the temperature required for denaturing malignant cells and the temperature injurious to healthy cells, a known heating pattern and predictable temperature control is important so that heating is confined to the tissue to be treated. For instance, hyperthermia treatment at the threshold temperature of about 41.5° C. generally has little effect on most malignant growth of cells. However, at slightly elevated temperatures above the approximate range of 43° C. to 45° C., thermal damage to most types of normal cells is routinely observed. Accordingly, great care must be taken not to exceed these temperatures in healthy tissue.

In the case of tissue ablation, a high radio frequency electrical current in the range of about 300 MHz to about 10 GHz is applied to a targeted tissue site to create an ablation volume, which may have a particular size and shape. Ablation volume is correlated to antenna design, antenna tuning, antenna impedance and tissue impedance. Tissue impedance may change during an ablation procedure due to a number of factors, e.g., tissue denaturization or desiccation occurring from the absorption of microwave energy by tissue. Changes in tissue impedance may cause an impedance mismatch between the probe and tissue, which may affect delivery of microwave ablation energy to targeted tissue.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a microwave ablation probe having a self-tuning, or adjustable, helical antenna element. The helical antenna element may be tuned dynamically and automatically during use, and/or may be tuned manually.

In one embodiment, a helical antenna element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA). SMAs are a family of alloys having anthropomorphic qualities of memory and trainability. One of the most common SMAs is Nitinol which can retain shape memories for two different physical configurations and changes shape as a function of temperature. Recently, other SMAs have been developed based on copper, zinc and aluminum and have similar shape memory retaining features.

SMAs undergo a crystalline phase transition upon applied temperature and/or stress variations. A particularly useful attribute of SMAs is that after it is deformed by temperature/stress, it can completely recover its original shape on being returned to the original temperature. This transformation is referred to as a thermoelastic martenistic transformation.

Under normal conditions, the thermoelastic martenistic transformation occurs over a temperature range which varies with the composition of the alloy itself, and the type of thermal-mechanical processing by which it was manufactured. In other words, the temperature at which a shape is “memorized” by an SMA is a function of the temperature at which the martensite and austenite crystals form in that particular alloy. For example, nickel titanium alloys (NiTi), commonly known as Nitinol, can be fabricated so that the shape memory effect will occur over a wide range of temperatures, e.g., −2700° to +1000° Celsius.

A dimension of the helical coil, e.g., the coil span (e.g., the distance between helical turns) and/or the diameter of the helical antenna element may be configured to change upon transformation of the SMA material from an austenitic state to a martenistic state in response to temperature changes at the surgical site. In some embodiments, a dimension of the helical coil may be configured to change in response to mechanical actuation, such as without limitation, actuation of a piston, actuation member (e.g., the inner conductor), and/or an adjustment ring. A change in antenna tuning associated with higher temperatures is thus corrected by a corresponding dimensional change in the helical antenna element triggered by the higher temperature. The helical coil antenna may be continuously and/or infinitely adjustable.

In some embodiments, an ablation probe in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inner conductor, a dielectric coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor. A tunable helical antenna element is coaxially disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and is operably joined at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor. The tunable helical antenna element has a first dimension corresponding to a first tuning and at least a second dimension corresponding to a second tuning.

In other embodiments, an ablation probe in accordance with the present disclosure includes a generally tubular inner conductor, a dielectric coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor. A helical slot is defined in at least one of the dielectric or inner conductor. A tunable helical antenna element is coaxially disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and is operably joined at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor. The tunable helical antenna element has a first dimension corresponding to a first tuning and at least a second dimension corresponding to a second tuning. A piston is slidably disposed within the inner conductor, wherein a proximal end of the helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the piston through the helical slot.

In yet other embodiments, an ablation probe in accordance with the present disclosure includes a dielectric, and an inner conductor coaxially disposed within the dielectric and longitudinally movable with respect the dielectric. The inner conductor extends distally from the dielectric. An outer conductor is coaxially disposed around the dielectric, and the dielectric extends distally from the outer conductor. The disclosed probe includes a tip fixed to a distal end of the inner conductor, a biasing member configured to bias the tip distally, and a tunable helical antenna element coaxially disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and operably joined at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor. The tunable helical antenna element has a first dimension corresponding to a first tuning, and at least a second dimension corresponding to a second tuning.

In still other embodiments, an ablation probe in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inner conductor, a dielectric coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor. A barrel is coaxially disposed about the outer conductor and is movable along a longitudinal axis thereof. The barrel includes an exterior threaded portion, an adjustment collar rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, and has an interior threaded portion adapted to cooperatively engage the exterior threaded portion of the barrel. A tunable helical antenna element is coaxially disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and is operably joined at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor and operably joined at a proximal end thereof to the barrel. The tunable helical antenna element has a first dimension corresponding to a first tuning, and at least a second dimension corresponding to a second tuning.

A method for tuning an electromagnetic surgical ablation probe is also disclosed which includes the steps of providing an electromagnetic surgical ablation probe and changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element provided therein. The provided electromagnetic surgical ablation probe includes an inner conductor, a dielectric coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric, wherein the dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor, and a helical antenna element coaxially disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and operably joined at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor.

Also disclosed in an electromagnetic surgical ablation system that includes a source of ablation energy, and a tunable electromagnetic surgical ablation probe operably coupled to the source of ablation energy. The tunable electromagnetic surgical ablation probe includes an inner conductor, a dielectric coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor. The probe further includes a helical antenna element coaxially disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric that is operably joined at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor. The helical antenna element is tunable by changing at least one changeable dimension thereof, including without limitation gap distance, distance between turns, length, and diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a microwave ablation system having a surgical ablation probe in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional, side view of an embodiment of a surgical ablation probe having a helical antenna assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A shows a side view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 2A wherein the helical antenna is in a first state;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 2A wherein the helical antenna is in a second state;

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of a surgical ablation probe having a helical antenna assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of a surgical ablation probe having a helical antenna assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the helical antenna is in a first state;

FIG. 5B is a cross sectional side view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 5A wherein the helical antenna is in a second state;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a surgical ablation probe having a helical antenna assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the helical antenna is in a first state;

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional side view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 6A wherein the helical antenna is in a second state;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional side view of still another embodiment of a surgical ablation probe having a helical antenna assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the helical antenna is in a first state;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional side view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 7A wherein the helical antenna is in a second state; and

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the surgical ablation probe of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known or repetitive functions, constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

In the drawings and in the descriptions that follow, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, shall refer to the end of the instrument that is closer to the user, while the term “distal” shall refer to the end that is farther from the user.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a microwave ablation system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The microwave ablation system 10 includes an electromagnetic surgical ablation probe 5 connected by a cable 15 to connector 16, which may further operably connect the antenna probe 10 to a generator assembly 20. Probe 5 includes a distal radiating portion 11 having a helical antenna element 12. Generator assembly 20 may be any suitable source of ablation energy, e.g., microwave or RF energy in the range of about 500 MHz to about 10 GHz. In some embodiments, generator assembly 20 may provide ablation energy in a range of about 915 MHz to about 2.45 GHz. Cable 15 may additionally or alternatively provide a conduit (not explicitly shown) configured to provide coolant from a coolant source 18 and/or a pressure source 14 to the electromagnetic surgical ablation probe 10. Pressure source 14 may be configured to provide pneumatic pressure (e.g., compressed air or other gas), but it is envisioned any suitable pressurized media may be provided by pressure source 14.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a microwave ablation probe 110 includes a shaft assembly 101 having an inner conductor 103, a dielectric 104 coaxially disposed about the inner conductor 103, and an outer conductor 105 coaxially disposed about the dielectric 104. Inner conductor 103 and outer conductor 105 may be formed from any suitable heat-resistant electrically conductive material, including without limitation stainless steel. Inner conductor 103 and outer conductor 105 may be plated or clad with a biocompatible, electrically-conductive material, which may improve the electrical conductivity of the inner conductor 103 and outer conductor 105. In some embodiments, inner conductor 103 and outer conductor 105 may be plated or clad with silver. Dielectric 104 may be formed from any suitable heat-resistant material having electrically insulative properties, e.g., ceramic, porcelain, or polymeric material. Inner conductor 103 and dielectric 104 extend distally beyond a distal end 108 of outer conductor 105. A distal end 121 of inner conductor 103 is exposed at a distal end 109 of dielectric 104. Helical antenna element 120 is disposed coaxially around a distal region of dielectric 104. A distal end of antenna element 120 is electromechanically joined to inner conductor 103 at the exposed distal end 121 thereof by any suitable manner of joining, including without limitation laser welding, brazing, threaded coupler, and/or crimping. A proximal end of helical antenna element 120 may be detached (e.g., free-floating) to enable helical antenna element 120 to expand and/or contract as discussed in detail below.

Helical antenna element 120 may be formed from material that expands and/or contracts in response to changes in temperature, including without limitation, an SMA alloy such as nickel titanium (NiTi), commonly known as Nitinol. During manufacture, helical antenna element 120 may be formed from Nitinol wire by, e.g., winding the Nitinol wire stock around a form having a generally cylindrical shape; annealing the helical antenna element 120 to define the austenite shape and size thereof; and deforming (e.g., expanding or contracting) the helical antenna element 120 to define the martensite size and shape of helical antenna element 120. In this manner, the desired hot (austenite) and cold (martensite) shapes of helical antenna element 120 may be imprinted into the crystalline structure of the Nitinol wire.

In use, it is believed that an increase in reflections that occur as a result of tissue desiccation and/or denaturization causes an increase in probe temperature. This, in turn, heats helical antenna element 120 and causes the size and/or shape thereof to change and, thus, adjusts and/or corrects the tuning of helical antenna element 120. In particular, tuning may be affected by the gap distance “G” between a distal end of the outer conductor and a proximal end of the helical antenna element 120, the distance “S” between turns of the helical antenna element 120, the length “L” of the helical antenna element 120, and/or the diameter “D” of the helical antenna element 120. The probe 110, shaft 101, and/or distal end 109 may be coated with a lubricious material, such as without limitation, polytetrafluoroethylene (a.k.a. PTFE or Teflon®, manufactured by the E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. of Wilmington, Del., USA), polyethylene teraphthalate (PET), or the like.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict helical antenna element 120 in an austenite state and a martensite state, respectively. In use, heat generated during a microwave ablation surgical procedure causes an increase in temperature in the helical coil and/or associated components of the probe 110, which, in turn, causes the helical antenna element 120 to transition between a martensite shape and size thereof, as best seen in FIG. 3A, and an austenite size and shape thereof, as best seen in FIG. 3B. As shown, helical antenna element 120 is configured such that an increase in temperature results in a decrease in coil length L due to the Nitinol phase transformation. It is also contemplated that helical antenna element 120 is configured such that an increase in temperature results in a decrease in coil diameter D. It is further contemplated that that helical antenna element 120 may be configured such that an increase in temperature results in an increase of length L and/or diameter D. In an embodiment this may be achieved by, e.g., annealing helical antenna element 120 during manufacture to imprint the desired (larger) austenite share thereupon. It is further contemplated that a multiple phase shape metal alloy, e.g., an SMA having more than two primary states may be used to construct helical antenna element 120.

Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a microwave ablation probe 210 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown having a shaft 201 that includes a hollow inner conductor 203, which may have a tubular or other suitable shape. The hollow interior of inner conductor 203 defines an inflow conduit 207 that is adapted to deliver a fluid generally to the shaft, and more specifically, to a tip 230, and to an outflow conduit 202. Any suitable fluid having a low dielectric constant may be utilized, including without limitation water, deionized water, saline, and/or biocompatible oils or gases. Shaft 201 also includes an outer dielectric 204 coaxially disposed about coolant outflow conduit 202, an inner dielectric 206 axially disposed about inner conductor 203, and an outer conductor 205 coaxially disposed about the outer dielectric 204. Outflow conduit 202 is defined by the region between outer dielectric 204 and inner dielectric 206. Tip 230 is fixed to a distal end of outer dielectric 204 and may include a fluid chamber 231 defined therein.

In use, according to one embodiment, coolant flows distally through inflow conduit 207 from coolant source 18, into fluid chamber 231, and flows proximally through outflow conduit 202. Additionally or alternatively, coolant flow may be reversed, e.g., flowing distally though outflow conduit 202 and proximally through inflow conduit 207. Probe 210 may include a sensor (not explicitly shown) that is operably coupled at least one of generator 20 or coolant source 18 and is adapted to sense a surgical parameter, such as without limitation probe temperature and/or tissue impedance. Generator 20 and/or coolant source 18 may be configured to receive a sensed surgical parameter and regulate the flow of ablation energy and/or coolant in response thereto. In this manner, the temperature of helical antenna element 220 may be regulated and, in turn, cause the size and/or shape of helical antenna element 220 to change, thus adjusting and/or correcting the tuning of helical antenna element 220.

Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a microwave ablation probe 310 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The probe 310 includes a shaft 301 having therein a piston 312 that is slidably disposed longitudinally within a sleeve 307. The shaft 301 includes a tubular outer conductor 305 that is coaxially disposed around a tubular inner conductor 303 having a tubular dielectric 304 disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, a diameter of sleeve 307 may be about the same as a diameter of inner conductor 303. Dielectric 304 and inner conductor 303 extend distally beyond a distal end of outer conductor 305. A tip 330, which may be substantially conical in shape to improve ease of insertion of the probe into tissue, is fixed at a distal end 308 of dielectric 304. Piston 312 is dimensioned to slide and/or rotate freely within sleeve 307 while maintaining a substantially gas-tight or liquid-tight seal therebetween. Piston 312 includes a support 313 that extends distally from a distal end of piston 312 and includes a coupling pin 315 that operably engages a proximal end of helical antenna element 320 through a helical slot 316 defined in dielectric 304 and inner conductor 303. A distal end of helical antenna 320 is coupled to a distal end 321 of inner conductor 303. Piston 312 may be actuated by media, e.g., gas and/or liquid, that is introduced into and/or withdrawn from plenum 302. Any suitable media may be utilized, for example and without limitation, water, saline, air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or biocompatible oil.

In use, media is introduced into, and/or withdrawn from, plenum 302, driving piston 312 distally. As piston 312 traverses distally, coupling pin 315 rides within helical slot 316 and compresses helical antenna element 320 to adjust the tuning thereof. A sensor (not explicitly shown) may be included within probe 310 to sense a physical or surgical parameter related thereto, including without limitation plenum pressure, probe temperature, and/or tissue impedance. Generator 20 and/or pressure source 14 may be configured to receive a sensed surgical parameter and regulate ablation energy and/or plenum pressure in response thereto. In this manner, the tuning of helical antenna element 320 may be regulated and, in turn, cause the size and/or shape of helical antenna element 320 to change, thus adjusting and/or correcting the tuning of helical antenna element 320.

Turning to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, a microwave ablation probe in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown wherein a probe 410 includes a spring-loaded tip 430. The probe 410 includes a tubular outer conductor 405 that is coaxially disposed around an inner conductor 403 having a dielectric 404 disposed therebetween. Inner conductor 403 is slidably disposed within dielectric 404 and may be operably coupled at a proximal end thereof to an actuator (not explicitly shown) that imparts longitudinal motion to inner conductor 403. For example, and without limitation, an actuator may include a lever, a handle, a threaded adjustment device (e.g., a thumbscrew), or an electromechanical actuator, such as a solenoid, servo, and/or a stepper motor. Inner conductor 403 extends distally beyond a distal end 419 of dielectric 404, and is coupled at a distal end 418 thereof to tip 430 by any suitable manner of attachment, including without limitation, welding, brazing, crimping, clamping, adhesive, and threaded attachment. A biasing member 416 is disposed between tip 430 and distal end 419 of dielectric 404 and is configured to bias tip 430 away from distal end 419 of dielectric 404, e.g., distally therefrom.

Probe 410 includes a helical antenna element 420 that is operably coupled at a distal end thereof to a distal end 418 of inner conductor 403. Additionally or alternatively, helical antenna element 420 may be coupled to inner conductor 403 via lead wire 415 which extends from inner conductor 403 to a surface of tip 430, where lead wire 415 may be joined to helical antenna element 420 at junction 421. A proximal end of helical antenna element 420 may be fixed to dielectric 404 at an outer surface thereof by any suitable manner of attachment. Probe 410 may include a positive stop (not explicitly shown) that is configured to retain the combination of tip 430, biasing member 416, and/or inner conductor 403 to dielectric 404 such that full extension of spring 416 does not cause separation of tip 430, spring 416, and/or inner conductor 403 from dielectric 404. In an embodiment, the actuator (not explicitly shown) may limit distal movement of inner conductor 403 to prevent separation of tip 430, biasing member 416, and/or inner conductor 403 from dielectric 404. During use, helical antenna element 430 may be tuned by causing inner conductor 403 to move longitudinally, e.g., by using an aforesaid actuator to cause inner conductor 403 to move proximally and/or distally, until a desired tuning is achieved.

With reference now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, disclosed is a microwave ablation probe 510 having a manually-adjustable helical antenna element 520 disposed at a distal end thereof. Probe 510 includes a shaft 501 having an outer conductor 505 that is coaxially disposed around an inner conductor 503 with a dielectric 504 disposed therebetween. Dielectric 504 and inner conductor 503 extend distally beyond a distal end of outer conductor 505. Probe 510 includes an outer barrel 512 that is coaxially disposed around at least outer conductor 505 and includes an exterior threaded portion 513 at a proximal end of outer barrel 512. Exterior threaded portion 513 is configured to operably engage adjustment collar 516 which has an interior threaded portion 517. Adjustment collar 516 may include one or more ergonomic and/or friction enhancing elements 518 to facilitate handling, e.g., scallops, protuberances, knurling, elastomeric material, etc.

A distal end of helical antenna element 520 is operably coupled to a distal end 521 of inner conductor 503. A proximal end of helical antenna element 520 is fixed to a distal end 519 of outer barrel 512. During use, a user (e.g., a surgeon) may adjust the tuning of helical antenna element 520 by rotating adjustment collar 516 to cause outer barrel 512 to move distally and/or proximally to achieve a desired tuning. One or more stop members (not explicitly shown) may be included to maintain outer barrel 512 and/or adjustment collar 516 in cooperative orientation, e.g., to ensure translation of rotational motion of adjustment collar 516 into the desired linear longitudinal motion of outer barrel 512.

The described embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment of the present disclosure. Further variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be made or desirably combined into many other different systems or applications without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ablation probe, comprising: an inner conductor; a dielectric coaxially-disposed around the inner conductor; an outer conductor coaxially-disposed around the dielectric, wherein the dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor; and a helical antenna element coaxially-disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and coupled at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor, wherein the helical antenna element is operable to change from a first configuration at a first temperature, wherein a first gap distance is defined between a distal end of the outer conductor and a proximal end of the helical antenna element, to a second configuration at a second temperature, wherein a second gap distance different from the first gap distance is defined between the distal end of the outer conductor and the proximal end of the helical antenna element.
 2. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the helical antenna element has a dimension continuously variable between the first configuration and the second configuration.
 3. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 2, wherein the continuously variable dimension is selected from the group consisting of a diameter of the helical antenna element, a length of the helical antenna element, a pitch of the helical antenna element, a distance between coils of the helical antenna element, a position of the helical antenna element relative to a distal end of the inner conductor, and a position of the helical antenna element relative to a distal extension of the dielectric.
 4. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the helical antenna element is formed from a shape memory alloy.
 5. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 4, wherein the helical antenna element has an austenite state corresponding to the first configuration and a martensite state corresponding to the second configuration.
 6. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a lubricious coating on at least one of the outer conductor, the dielectric, or the helical antenna element.
 7. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner conductor includes an inflow conduit defined therein.
 8. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dielectric includes an outflow conduit defined therein.
 9. The ablation probe in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a generally conical tip having a coolant chamber defined within a base thereof.
 10. A method for tuning an ablation probe, the method comprising the steps of: providing an ablation probe, comprising: an inner conductor; a dielectric coaxially-disposed around the inner conductor; an outer conductor coaxially-disposed around the dielectric, wherein the dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor; and a helical antenna element coaxially-disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and coupled at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor; and tuning the ablation probe by causing the helical antenna element to change from a first configuration, wherein a first gap distance is defined between a distal end of the outer conductor and a proximal end of the helical antenna element, to a second configuration, wherein a second gap distance different from the first gap distance is defined between the distal end of the outer conductor and the proximal end of the helical antenna element.
 11. The method for tuning an ablation probe in accordance with claim 10, wherein the helical antenna element is formed from a shape memory alloy.
 12. The method for tuning an ablation probe in accordance with claim 10, wherein causing the helical antenna element to change from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises changing a dimension of the helical antenna element, wherein the dimension is selected from the group consisting of a diameter of the helical antenna element, a length of the helical antenna element, a pitch of the helical antenna element, a distance between coils of the helical antenna element, a position of the helical antenna element relative to a distal end of the inner conductor, and a position of the helical antenna element relative to a distal extension of the dielectric.
 13. The method for tuning an ablation probe in accordance with claim 10, further comprising the steps of: providing a source of ablation energy operably coupled to the ablation probe; and activating the source of ablation energy.
 14. An ablation system, comprising: a source of ablation energy; an electromagnetic probe operably coupled to the source of ablation energy, comprising: an inner conductor; a dielectric coaxially-disposed around the inner conductor; an outer conductor coaxially-disposed around the dielectric, wherein the dielectric and the inner conductor extend distally from the outer conductor; and a helical antenna element coaxially-disposed about the distal extension of the dielectric and coupled at a distal end thereof to the inner conductor and configured to have at least one changeable dimension selected from the group consisting of a diameter of the helical antenna element, a length of the helical antenna element, a pitch of the helical antenna element, a distance between coils of the helical antenna element, a position of the helical antenna element relative to a distal end of the inner conductor, and a position of the helical antenna element relative to a distal extension of the dielectric, wherein the helical antenna element is operable to change from a first configuration, wherein a first gap distance is defined between a distal end of the outer conductor and a proximal end of the helical antenna element, to a second configuration, wherein a second gap distance different from the first gap distance is defined between the distal end of the outer conductor and the proximal end of the helical antenna element.
 15. The ablation system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the helical antenna element is formed from a shape memory alloy.
 16. The ablation system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the helical antenna element has an austenite state corresponding to a first tuning and a martensite state corresponding to a second tuning. 